This episode features a conversation with Talent Acquisition Specialists Sherri Callahan and Scott Jacobs from West Herr Automotive Group as they discuss the structure of their recruitment and training activities. Discover the various entry-level opportunities and career paths within the automotive industry, as well as the skills needed to be successful. Sherri and Scott reveal the most in-demand positions and share details of their partnership with ECC designed to develop a pipeline of trained automotive technicians. 

Dr. Julius Greg Adams, the Executive Director of the University of Buffalo's Educational Opportunity Center joins the program to discuss the work that his organization does to prepare low income and nontraditional students for higher education and careers. Discover programs available to help participants obtain diplomas and career certifications quickly and how to obtain automatic enrollment at any SUNY community college. Dr. Adams also provides details about the Center’s partnership with Google and the Google Professional IT Certification.

This episode features an interview with Jillian Penkin, President of the Buffalo Chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction, and an account executive with RD Weis, LLC. Jillian shares the story of her own career path and discusses the variety of jobs available in the construction industry. She also reveals the increasing need for skilled workers and debunks some common myths about women working in the construction industry. 

Amber Rangel Mooney, Director of Workforce Development for The Business Council of New York State, joins the program to discuss her career journey and insights from the Council’s recent business workforce survey. Discover the themes that emerged from the survey, as well as the importance of creating healthy and flexible work environments. Amber reveals some of the barriers preventing people from returning to work, some of the skills that employers value most, and why we need to focus on long-term talent development. 

In this episode, you’ll learn about M&T Bank’s Buffalo Tech Hub, which was designed to create over 1,000 jobs, accelerate startup growth and attract talent to the region. Discover how the Tech Hub aligns with M&T’s core values, engages with community partners and what the curriculum will look like. Technology skills are becoming rapidly more necessary and beneficial for the careers of tomorrow, and the Tech Hub looks to help the community increase access for those who need it.

Jeffrey Conrad, Director of Workforce Development and Education at Catholic Charities of Buffalo, joins the program to discuss the various populations that his organization serves, and how they help returning citizens connect to meaningful employment. Discover the various services offered by Catholic Charities, including educational assistance, and how they help people overcome barriers to employment. 

Mark Poloncarz, Erie County Executive, joins the program to share his background and the important role that government plays in people’s lives. Discover some of the challenges around connecting talent to available jobs, and some of the questions that still need to be answered heading into a post-pandemic world. Discover some lessons learned during the pandemic and a different perspective on developing a career.

Tune in as Geoff Syzmanski, Executive Director, and David Kaczor, Assistant Executive Director for the Buffalo & Erie County Workforce Investment Board, join host Spencer Murray to provide some history and insight into the many services offered by Workforce Buffalo. Discover the efforts that are underway to address workforce challenges in the region, and the innovation that is happening as the pandemic begins to lift.

Nathan McConnell, Director of Workforce Development & Education at The Construction Exchange of Buffalo & WNY, joins the program to debunk some of the negative stereotypes about working in the construction trades and the importance of creating a local talent pipeline. Nathan also provides details about the various ways that his organization supports the construction industry and reveals details about an app that functions as a job board for the local Buffalo/Western New York construction industry. 

Artist, educator and journeyman carpenter Jomo Akono, joins the program to discuss what led him to start a career in the carpentry trade, and provides details about the carpenter’s apprenticeship program. Discover the financial and work-life benefits of becoming a carpenter and why carpentry is an excellent career choice for women as well as men. You’ll learn about the career trajectory for carpenters and how to reach out for more information.